It’s been weeks since Kendrick Lamar’s explosive Super Bowl LIX halftime show in New Orleans, but people are still talking-and not just about his now-infamous Drake diss.
While Lamar’s performance drew praise from fans and critics alike, a new TMZ Sports report revealed that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) received 125 complaints about the show. The gripes? Everything from crotch grabs and profanity to accusations that the set was “divisive” for featuring only Black performers and a split American flag backdrop.
One unexpected name included in those complaints: Serena Williams.
From Grand Slams to Super Bowl sidelines-Now she’s in the crosshairs
The tennis legend made a surprise cameo during Lamar’s performance of “Not Like Us,”the track widely viewed as a direct shot at Drake-who, for those keeping score, happens to be Serena’s ex. Her onstage moment lasted only seconds but included her signature crip walk, a dance move that’s become a staple in pop culture but still ruffles feathers in certain circles.
Some FCC complaints accused Williams of promoting “gang affiliation,”echoing criticism she faced back in 2012 when she broke out the same move after an Olympic win. This time, the backlash came with a wider audience-Lamar’s show pulled in a whopping 133.5 million viewers, according to Nielsen.
Williams, 43, hasn’t addressed the complaints directly but told Vogue that she saw the performance as a celebration of Black culture and artistry. “It was a once-in-a-lifetime moment,”she said. “I felt honored to be a part of it.”
Context matters, and while the volume of complaints is minuscule compared to the viewership, the chatter underscores just how dissected high-profile performances can become-especially when they blend music, politics, and identity.
And as it turns out, even one of the most decorated athletes of all time isn’t immune to the crossfire of pop culture controversy.
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